The proposed bill seeks to establish a new chapter, 16.1-08.2, in the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on campaign disclosure statements and amending existing campaign finance laws. Key changes include raising the reporting threshold for contributions and expenditures from two hundred dollars to two hundred fifty dollars, which will affect how candidates and political committees disclose their financial activities. The bill mandates detailed reporting of contributions and expenditures, including the names and addresses of contributors, and introduces penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, it repeals the current chapter 16.1-08.1, streamlining the campaign disclosure process.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in providing guidance and conducting training to ensure uniform application of campaign finance laws, with provisions for adjusting reporting thresholds for inflation every ten years. It introduces new definitions for terms related to political financing and establishes requirements for political committees and candidates to register and file campaign disclosure statements. Furthermore, it emphasizes transparency by mandating detailed reporting of contributions and expenditures, while imposing penalties for violations, thereby enhancing accountability in campaign financing and ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations. The effective date for most sections of the bill is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-08.1-06.2
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Olson: 16.1-08.1-01, 16.1-08.1-02.1, 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-02.4, 16.1-08.1-03.2, 16.1-08.1-03.7, 16.1-08.1-06.2, 54-66-01, 54-66-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 16.1-08.1-01, 16.1-08.1-02.1, 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-02.4, 16.1-08.1-03.2, 16.1-08.1-03.7, 16.1-08.1-06.2, 54-66-01, 54-66-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Roers: 15.1-09-08, 15.1-09-19, 16.1-01-12, 16.1-10-02, 16.1-10-04.1, 51-28-01, 54-66-01, 54-66-02
Adopted by the Conference Committee: 15.1-09-08, 15.1-09-19, 16.1-01-12, 16.1-10-02, 16.1-10-04.1, 51-28-01, 54-66-01, 54-66-02